Bathurst Panthers JRLFC was formed in 1965 as Bathurst Charlestons JRLFC (named after the senior club formed in 1926 and the dance of the same name of the 1920's). Under the leadership of Harold "Dukey" Lewis and his efficient and enthusiastic committee. The colours were red and black. It was formed to give the youth of Bathurst and surrounding areas the opportunity to play Rugby League. Harold held the position of President for the next 10 years, seeing the Club through it's formative years. During the early years the Juniors were also supported by a band of dedicated ladies who supplemented the efforts of the Junior men's committee in the constant and sometimes arduous task of fund raising. Many business houses helped through these years with sponsorship and it is thanks to the support of these people that the Junior Club firmly entrenched itself in the fostering of Rugby League. Over the years of the Junior Club has contributed many players to the senior ranks. Impossible to name them all, but one player, Royce George, advanced through the Junior ranks captaining each age group before joining the senior ranks, played in the seniors Grand Final victory in 1979 and then becoming captain/coach later on. The club remained Charlestons till 1991 where it then followed in the footsteps of the senior club in the formation of Penguins RLFC (which was an amalgamation of the Bathurst Rugby Leagues Club and Charlestons RLFC). It remained as Penguins till 1999 when with the renaming of the Leagues Club to Panthers so to the Junior Club to Bathurst Panthers JRLFC and so it is today. From our humble beginnings in 1965 we now have teams in all age groups from Under 6's through to Under 16's. In an effort to create a history of Bathurst Panthers we are calling on anyone that has information on the club to come forward and help us in our endeavours it is with your help we will be able to recreate our past. Life Memberships, Premierships and Presidents/Secretary/Treasurer honour rolls have begun and are well under way. Due to the huge task of gathering it all and never having been done before not all information is complete as of this date. Please do not feel offended if you have been left out I assure you it is not through a lack of trying, instead let us know and we can fill in the blanks. Any information forthcoming such as photos, sponsors, paper clippings, Group and Western Division reps etc you feel should be included let us know, it would be much appreciated. Contact can be to any committee member of Bathurst Panthers JRLFC.